(DETROIT) August 9, 2016 –
The Detroit Children’s Choir, the only community-wide inclusive choral music program in metro Detroit serving children ages 8-14, has named
John Joanette executive director and
Eric Taylor artistic manager.
For more than three decades, John Joanette has successfully founded, directed and consulted with dozens of not-for-profit organizations in three states – Michigan, Indiana and Maine. His life work has focused on building strong coalitions and community involvement with fine arts organizations as well as agencies involved in numerous human service and civil rights causes.
Utilizing his degree in communications from Western Michigan University, John has successfully branded, positioned and strengthened organizations through board development, resource development, staff coaching, marketing, public relations, and strategic planning. These agencies continue to move their missions forward in service to their respective communities.
John has participated in both vocal and instrumental music programs and ensembles since the age of five. As a jazz studies minor in piano at Western Michigan University, John was a four-year member of the Gold Company program which is widely recognized as one of the most successful and prestigious collegiate vocal jazz programs in the world. In this distinguished ensemble, he played keyboards, acted as rhythm section leader, and arranged or composed for the group. In 2005, John joined with several community leaders to found the Pride of Indy Bands organization in Indianapolis, and participated as a percussionist in the concert, marching, and pep bands. In 2006, he created the Pride of Indy Jazz Ensemble and served as its leader until 2012.
Eric Taylor came to the Detroit Children’s Choir (DCC) from Notre Dame Marist Academy in Pontiac, where he was the vocal music director. He earned a Master of Music in Conducting (Choral) as well as a Bachelor of Music Education from Wayne State University. While at Wayne State, Eric conducted the Chamber Choir of Choral Union and assisted the Concert Chorale, Men’s Chorus, Choral Union, and Symphonic Chorus. He is a member of the American Choral Directors Association and Michigan School Vocal Music Association.
DCC, which completed its 10th season in June, grew from one in-school choir to 13 ensembles. More than 2,650 students have been choir members and participants in DCC workshops over the decade. Children from more than 70 different zip codes have participated in DCC programs; songs in 30 foreign languages from 25 countries have been learned and performed.
Choir members learn music literacy sight-reading skills and vocal technique using a wide variety of music of American heritage and classic children’s choral works. August 27 and September 3 auditions for the two touring ensembles can be scheduled at
detroitchildrenschoir.org.
DCC uses the power of choral music education as a cultural platform to unite and enrich the lives of metro Detroit children of diverse backgrounds while helping to shape confident, focused and expressive leaders.
